exam

[hopealways4019]

Do you do monthly breast exams at home?

[Specialk3190]

I did on an inconsistent basis before my breast cancer diagnosis. My cancer was picked up during my routine mammo. They called me to come back for more pictures and that was when I found the lump they were looking at. I've had a double mastectomy now, so I don't. However, I would advise anyone who asked to do monthly exams, and to get their annual mammograms.

[GrandmaX10]

I urge everyone to do their monthly exams. I would do them occasionally, but not consistently. I had a clear mammogram last June, and "accidentally" felt a lump at the end of October. It turned out to be cancerous. I was fortunate that it wasn't in my lymph glands yet, but in that short amount of time it grew to 1.8cm (about an inch). I was surprised it could grow so quickly! So, please tell everyone to do their monthly exams .

[Nora_A]

I do my monthly exams, although in my case it didn't make a difference. I did not feel my lump, nor did my doctor, at my my annual exam, just three days before my mammogram. 

[taniamorse85]

I've been doing them since age 15.  I do them on the first of each month.  I find it's easiest to pick one day of the month to do them rather than timing them around my period, as I've heard some people do.  Of course, with PCOS, I can't rely on my period anyway.

[Claudia413]

Yes, you can and should do your breast exams monthly at home. Also remember that you should be checking for ANY change in your breast, not just a lump. Inflammatory Breast Cancer (which I have) usually doesn't present with a lump. It has other signs and symptoms. Check them out at www.eraseibc.com. Be sure to report ANY change to your doctor.